Monaco ‘enter the race to sign Man United outcast Eric Bailly’, with former boss Jose Mourinho also keen on a reunion with his first Old Trafford signing at Roma
- Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is attracting interest from Monaco
- The centre-back has played 113 times for United since signing in 2016 for £30m
- The Ivorian has struggled with injuries and regular playing time at Old Trafford
- Jose Mourinho’s Roma are also keen on Bailly but like Monaco want a loan deal
- Erik ten Hag’s side are keen to sell the defender who is under contract until 2024
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is attracting interest from Monaco, according to reports.
The Ivorian, who joined Manchester United for £30m in 2016, is seen as the ideal addition for the Ligue 1 side as they look to strengthen their back line this summer.
The centre-back has made 113 appearances over six seasons at Old Trafford but has struggled with injuries and regular game time throughout his spell at the club. He featured just seven times in all competitions last term.
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is reportedly attracting interest from Monaco
The centre-back was a key part of United’s 2016/17 Europa League winning team
And according to L’Equipe, Monaco are seeking a move for the 28-year-old on loan with an option to buy.
However, United are opposed to letting Bailly leave on loan, with the Ivorian under contract until 2024 and are instead seeking a permanent departure.
Former United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to sign Bailly, who was his first signing when in charge at Old Trafford from 2016-2018
Roma are also credited with an interest in the defender, with Jose Mourinho keen on a reunion with Bailly who was his first signing while in charge of the Red Devils.
The centre-back was a key part of the United side that won the Europa League in 2016/17, while he also won the League Cup and Community Shield during his first season at Old Trafford.
However, the defender has gradually fallen out of favour and is now behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and new £55m signing Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
The interest in Bailly comes as part of a wider revamp of Monaco’s defence with Chelsea defender Malang Sarr set to sign in the coming days, initially on loan with a £10m deal agreed for next summer.
Philippe Clement’s side finished third in the French top flight last campaign and face PSV in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round tonight with the tie currently level at 1-1.
And qualification for Europe’s premier club competition will only help Monaco in their quest to sign Bailly, who has won 46 caps for Ivory Coast.
